Berney Arms
Accessible only by boat, foot and rail, the Berney Arms is one of the most remote pubs in the UK. As a result, it’s become a popular stopping off point for walkers exploring the local area and visitors looking to experience one of Norfolk’s quirkiest drinking holes.
Route
If you’re not travelling by boat, the best way to visit Berney Arms is to catch the train from Great Yarmouth to Berney Arms station. This is a request stop, so you’ll need to speak to the guard on your train before you board. A pay and display car park is available at Great Yarmouth station.
From Berney Arms Station, take the path that cuts across the grazing marsh towards Berney Mill. The mill is around 600m to the south east of the train station. When you reach the mill, walk up the steps to the side of it, towards the banks of the river. Turn left and follow the river towards Great Yarmouth. After around 400m, you’ll see the Berney Arms Inn. Pass through the kissing gate in front of the pub and continue along the riverbank.
This riverside path continues for around 4 miles until you reach the outskirts of Great Yarmouth. Follow the footpath under the lift bridge and alongside the supermarket car park, and you’ll arrive back at the train station.
Difficulty
The walk from Berney Arms train station to Great Yarmouth is around 5.5 miles. It should take you two to three hours to complete and the route is mostly flat. There are a number of stiles and gates on the way and conditions can become muddy in wet weather.
Facilities
As the Berney Arms is currently closed for refurbishment, there are only limited facilities available on the walk. A café adjacent to the pub is occasionally open in the summer months, however it’s a good idea to pack your own drinks and sandwiches as facilities can’t be guaranteed. In Great Yarmouth, you’ll find an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants, shops and public transport links.
Points of interest
The Berney Arms Inn is an important landmark on this stretch of waterway. The distinctive pub sits on the banks of the river and should reopen to customers in the coming years.
The entire area around the pub and train station is part of the Berney Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve. This means that you’re likely to spot a host of visiting and native birds as you explore the watery landscape. On the way, you’ll also pass through Halvergate Marshes and be able to enjoy sweeping views over Breydon Water.
A great choice of family friendly attractions, including a pier and pleasure beach, can be found in Great Yarmouth.
The perfect way to explore the local landscape and experience one of the UK’s most unique pubs, this picturesque stroll is suitable for all the family. Find out more about the area and other walks available in Norfolk by taking a look around our site or getting in touch with a member of our team.